PSSI to get cash aid from FIFA

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's soccer governing body PSSI will be granted financial aid worth US$400,000 as part of a FIFA campaign to help develop soccer worldwide.

Hamka Khadir, an official of PSSI, said that the funds, part of the world's soccer governing body FIFA Goal Project, would be allocated to build a national training center in Bekasi, on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta.

Hamka told a media conference here on Tuesday that the amount would only be able to cover half the total cost of the construction, which will occupy a two-hectare site.

"Therefore, PSSI will cover the remainder by trying to attract other sponsors," Hamka said, as reported by Antara.

The planned training center, according to Hamka, would include two soccer fields, a players' dormitory, classrooms and other facilities.

He added that FIFA's aid package would also entail sending representatives to Indonesia for soccer education and training of junior players, coaches and administrators.

The construction is expected to start on April 19, to coincide with PSSI's 74th anniversary.

While the disbursement will be realized within the next one to two months, FIFA, according to Hamka, will not pass the funds directly to PSSI but to the project contractor.

"PSSI's role will be restricted to reporting project progress to FIFA," he said, adding that PSSI had received proposals from three contractors.

FIFA Goal Project officer for the Asia region John Paul Windsor said that Indonesia was entitled to receiving the grant on the grounds that PSSI had been considered successful in organizing the LG Cup, Tiger Cup and Asia Futsal Championships last year.

"FIFA's representative in Asia is gathering data and information on Indonesian soccer to be forwarded later to FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland," he said, adding that FIFA had granted aid to 13 countries so far.